FIREWORKS! WHERE TO GO ON THE FOURTH OF JULY 2014

OOH AAH - FIREWORKS! In our safety obsessed society, where no hang nail goes unlitigated, normally cautious people become momentarily unhinged with delight at the thought of lighting up a hot, sparkly, multicolored, illegal incendiary device on Independence Day. Play it safe, we have lots of recommendations for a fun and fiery fix. Grand Park will again have a free July 4th celebration with fireworks in Downtown LA. The 4th of July Block Party starting at 4pm. Go Metro but watch for advisories.  This park has proved to be very popular and there may be some restrictions in accessing the park via the Metro Red Line watch for updates at the Grand Park site or at www.mta.net   Whether you have a favorite “hot spot” to watch these patriotic displays or don’t know where to go, our annual list has them including some of our tips for getting the most for the least.   HERE IS THE EYE SPY LA ANNUAL LIST OF THE TRIED AND TRUE PLACES TO GO ON THE 4TH and where to find last minute info... CBS Studio Center 4th of July Fireworks Festival in Studio City It’s hard to top the dazzling CBS fireworks show and 818 locals know exactly how to watch this display without paying for admission into the studio. This fireworks festival includes music, food and other fun along with the fireworks. Rooftop wristbands allow guests to watch the fireworks from the roof of the CBS parking structure. Tickets: www.studiocitychamber.com FREEBIE ALERT! Here’s the skinny on how to see these fireworks outside the CBS Studio without paying a penny. The trick is to come early, eight at the latest. Park on either Ventura Blvd or Tujunga Ave. This requires some walking so keep that in mind. On Tujunga Avenue there is a stairwell leading down to the LA Wash (that concrete slab trickling with water). The stairs are located on the NW corner. Follow the path all the way down and under the Colfax Bridge. There will be plenty of people milling around. Find a spot and set up camp. The fireworks will explode right overhead. Huntington Beach Annual 4th of July Parade & Pier Plaza Fireworks Show You’d need to spend the entire weekend in Huntington Beach to appreciate all the Fourth of July festivities they have to offer. Start the celebrations with the Annual Parade that begins at the PCH and 8th Street heading south past Yorktown. Bleacher seating is available for a fee at Lake Park. After the parade, wander through the Pier Plaza Festival located at the Huntington Beach Pier. This three-day festival is a local favorite and whether you stay for the fireworks show, this is a wonderful way to spend the day this Independence Weekend. There is also a 5K Run & Fitness Expo from 7am to noon at Worthy Park (Main Street & 17th). The fireworks show over the ocean is nothing short of spectacular! Launched from barges in the sea, spectators line up for free viewing and witness the awesome beauty over the water. FREEBIE ALERT! Viewing this fireworks display is free if you feel like walking a long distance (many of the streets are closed and parking is atrocious). When you reach the pier, head down the sidewalk almost all the way to the end. This is one of the better views and fewer people crowding around. To purchase tickets, call 714-536-5486 or www.hb4thofjuly.org Hollywood Bowl July 4th Fireworks Spectacular Shows This is one of our all-time favorites and a must-see for anyone who has never been. Along with the patriotic music by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, this year features Josh Groban. The pyrotechnic display is great no matter where you sit. For those who already have other plans on the Fourth, you can still catch this spectacle of lights and music on either Tues or Wed nights. Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Ave. Fri, Sat & Sun at 7:30pm PH: 323-850-2000 July Fourth at the Newport Dunes Entertainment starts at noon with live music, waterfront dining, and fun outdoor competitions throughout the day. Play volleyball, or enter the hula-hoop contest, do the limbo, or try the Velcro Wall and there is a Bounce House for kids and a Cake Walk for pastry lovers. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina 1131 Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach PH: 949-729-3863www.NewportDunes.com Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena Anyone who is anyone has gone to the Rose Bowl for the Fourth of July at least once and if you haven’t, where have you been? This is as classic as homemade apple pie and just as sweet too. With music followed by one of the largest, most spectacular fireworks in So Cal at 9pm. www.rosebowlstadium.com July 4th Extravaganza in Woodland Hills One of the biggest FREE fireworks celebrations in the Valley, this event usually has over 50,000 people in attendance so arrive early. The fireworks are a marvel and last approximately 20mins with a big finish. There is a free concert at 6pm. The wooded atmosphere is what makes this show a night to remember. If you’re looking for something casual and fun, this is one to check out. Warner Center Park 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Woodland Hills Fireworks start at 9pmwww.valleycultural.org/ The Queen Mary in Long BeachEntertainment, Strolling Performers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters and Fireworks at 9pm.www.queenmary.com/ Kaboom at the Fairplex in Pomona The annual fireworks spectacular at the Fairplex in Pomona. Monster trucks and motoX extreme end with fireworks as the grand finale each year.www.fairplex.com Santa Barbara Fireworks on West Beach  Fireworks show begins at 9pm with gorgeous views on the East Beach. Fireworks Info Santa Clarita Valley Independence Day Events There are several venues to choose from in the SCV. Whether it's a hometown parade, gathering in the park, swimming in the lake, singing the national anthem or just "oohing" and "aahing" at the fireworks, it's all here. www.santaclaritaguide.com Annual Hansen Dam 4th of July This uplifting event is just about as American as…well…Fourth of July! Over 50,000 people come to this annual show, both for the food and festivities, but also the brilliant fireworks display. Better yet, it’s free! Hansen Dam Park 11770 Foothill Blvd. in Lake View Terrace Hansen Dam website City of Alhambra Free Fireworks Show in Almansor Park Here’s an excellent show for those who are looking for a traditional display. Located inside the park, there’s good visibility wherever you are. The show is free but parking is limited. Come early. Bring a picnic or buy food on locations provided by Youth Group Food Vendors. There will be food trucks this year. Almansor Park 800 South Almansor Street in Alhambra Fireworks start at 9pm www.cityofalhambra.org MORE FIREWORKS can be found on the L.A. Fire Department's list - CLICK HERE. FOR LAST MINUTE THINGS TO DO on July 4th check out that Friday's Calendar Have a Great 4th of July! --Andrea Kirk (editor@eyespyla.com)